Maaike & Joost
What country are you from?
Netherlands
What drew you to the MEV and what excites you about living in this community?
Maaike:
This fall I was in Spain, Mallorca, for a retreat. I was outside all day, enjoying nature. I had a hard time being at home again, being indoors so much.
Over here (The Hague, The Netherlands) we live in a similar community, but much smaller. I like the fact that we know all our neighbours and that we live in a sustainable house near the sea. But I would like to be in a place where I could live my life more outside and more in unity with nature.
Our children are getting bigger and will leave the house in the next couple of years. Our current house is going to be way too big for me and my husband. So we are thinking and talking about where we would like to live next.
And then this project came to my attention. It just felt so right. The more we looked in to it, the more enthusiastic I (we) became. It feels like the next step into this adventure that we already started here in a smaller version in The Hague.
Joost:
We currently live in a similar (but much smaller) community project. Where we developed, designed and built our own houses. What I enjoy most, besides the comfort of a modern and ecological home, is the fact that I know my neighbours. We went through a lot together, and although we are not ' friends' with everyone. I know I can count on any of them for help and support. And we are still developing both socially as well as technologically by trying to develop a micro grid, with battery storage and things like that.
Who are you as a person? (personality, values, etc.)
Maaike:
I'm a woman who feels a closeness to nature. I follow the cycles of nature. I love being around other people but also need my time alone. I value honesty, openness,
kindness to other people and nature.
Joost:
Calm, caring, pragmatic, I enjoy the small things in live. Spending time with my wife and children. Spiritual in my own way and accepting of others
Tell us about yourself and/or your family—your interests, hobbies, occupation, and passions.
Maaike:
As a woman of (nearly) 50 years old I feel that I'm in a transition fase. My role as a mother of two teenagers, nearly adults, is changing. I also recently gave up my job as a teacher and children therapist. I felt that I could't work in the current (school)system anymore. Now I spend more time writing. I just finished my second novel. I love dancing (ballet), reading and yoga.
Joost:
My background is in Engineering. The last years I have been in management functions, so although I get to talk about cool stuff, I never get my hands dirty. So in my sparetime I like to do 'projects' . This can range from DIY around the the house to bigger projects like a Camper Van build and I am currenly working on restoring a VW Beetle. I also like to tinker around with automation stuff. Our kids are 18 and 16, both in school and doing well. The oldest will be going to University coming school year. He has a clear sense of direction. The youngest still has two years in high school, and is finding her way in the world. My wife is a writer and finalizing her second book.
What will be your role in the community? (e.g., sustainability projects, community gatherings, permaculture, holistic wellness, creative workshops, education, etc.)
Maaike:
I would love to be involved in the education project, starting up the MEV school. I think my skills and many years of experience as a teacher and children therapist/occupational therapist could be of value there.
Joost:
For Groene Mient I was a member of the Board, and responsible for the relationship with the builder. I was asked to take on this responsibility, because I see the whole picture and at the same time can guide, challenge and make decisions about details. I can also translate complicated matters in easy to understand language and break large tasks down in to smaller comprehendable steps. So for the MEV I'd offer my services in helping the communicy into achieving whatever it wants to achieve. I'de like to be envolved on more of the infrastructural side to see how we can make the MEV as ecological and self sustaining as possible.
What does your dream community look like? Dream day in the MEV?
Maaike:
Starting the day outside, greeting the neighbours while having my morning tea. Some yoga in the nearby studio (or outside), learning while playing with the children in and outside the MEV school. Cooking with local products, enjoying the view while eating outside, ending the day with a stroll trough the village.
Joost:
In my dream community, you know the names of your neighbours. You have an idea of their purpose and share values regarding how one treats others and the planet.
For an insight to where we live today can be found here: www.groenemient.nl